Archbishop of York concerned at place of religion across BBC and ‘appalling lack of religious literacy’
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, has voiced concern about the place of religion across the BBC’s entire output, noting “with sadness and some distress, the sometimes appalling lack of religious literacy in so much of the BBC”. Speaking at a Religion Media Centre briefing on the green paper for the BBC Charter Review, he described religious and public service broadcasting as a “precious bulwark against polarisation”, but he questioned whether there was sufficient ambition within the BBC and government to sustain it in a changing media landscape, warning faith risked becoming the “poor and underfunded relative”. His concern was not with the religion department in Salford, but the wider BBC. Broadcaster Roger Bolton told the briefing that original content on religion and ethics at peak-time on all public service broadcasting platforms, had fallen by 85 per cent between 2011 and 2022. He called for strategic thinking on public service broadcasting and said faith leaders should withold support from the BBC until it puts forward its policies on the role of religion. Afterwards, The Telegraph quoted a BBC statement saying the Corporation delivers an “unrivalled range” of religion and ethics content. Independent story here, Telegraph story here, View the briefing again or listen to the podcast via links here.
The Bishop of Guildford Andrew Watson has died after a short illness
The Archbishop of Canterbury has led tributes to the Bishop of Guildford, Andrew Watson, who has died from pancreatic cancer less than a month after diagnosis. He was 64. He was ordained 40 years ago and served as a parish priest in London until becoming a Bishop, first of Aston and then Guildford, where he moved in 2014. In a tribute, Archbishop Sarah Mullally said: “He was a gentle man and generous with those who held differing theological views. He will be greatly missed, not just by his family and friends, but by the whole church”. There was tremendous shock in the diocese at the news of his illness and more than a thousand people visited the cathedral for a day of prayer. His wife Beverly, a parish priest, and their four children, were with him when he died. The Diocese of Guildford announcement is here.
Vatican Secretary of State calls for weapons to be silenced
The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, has called for world peace: “We ask the Lord to silence the weapons and reconcile humanity.” He was speaking while presiding over a Mass at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome yesterday, as part of the celebrations marking the centenary of the Military Ordinariate for Italy. His address included praise for military chaplains who he said, must “educate toward responsibility and inner freedom.” Amid separation from family, fear of danger and sacrifice which characterises the duties of soldiers, he said “the discreet and faithful presence of the chaplain becomes a concrete sign of the Church’s motherhood.”
Trump ‘anointed by Jesus to attack Iran and cause Armageddon’
An American journalist, Jonathan Larsen, has written on Substack, that US troops have reportedly been told by commanders that Donald Trump was “anointed by Jesus” to attack Iran and “cause Armageddon”. Hundreds of troops have submitted complaints to the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) since the US-Israeli attack began last weekend, saying that combat unit commanders have provided Christian reasoning for the war. One officer is quoted saying: “He urged us to tell our troops that this was ‘all part of God’s divine plan’ and he specifically referenced numerous citations out of the Book of Revelation referring to Armageddon and the imminent return of Jesus Christ”. The commander also reportedly argued that Trump was “anointed by Jesus to light the signal fire in Iran to cause Armageddon and mark his return to Earth” and that the Iran war is part of God’s plan. Substack story here
Gafcon conference opens, but no votes taken on new leader – yet
The Global Anglican Future Conference (Gafcon) opened its G26 gathering in Abuja yesterday with a call for conservative Anglicans to stand firm on Biblical authority. At the opening Eucharist, the Primate of All Nigeria, Henry Ndukuba, urged delegates to recommit to what he described as a Biblical vision for global Anglicanism, calling the meeting a pivotal moment for orthodox leadership. Speeches focused on resisting liberal theological trends and restructuring the organisation as the Global Anglican Communion, in opposition to the original Communion structure. They are also due to elect a leader equivalent to the Archbishop of Canterbury to represent Gafcon internationally. Before the conference began, Gafcon’s General Secretary, Paul Donison, described it as a “kairos moment” to discern the movement’s future under Scripture. This is a four day conference, and the vote on a new leader will take place tomorrow.
The ‘non-problem’ of churches becoming mosques
The Times reports on churches which have closed down to become mosques, following Reform UK’s pledge to ban such changes of use. Its analysis shows less than 0.09 per cent of 47,000 churches had made the change. Among Church of England churches which closed up to 2020, the majority were demolished, followed by preservation or being turned into residential homes. Most churches which became mosques were from non-conformist churches such as the URC. The article quotes church leaders and academics accusing Reform UK of using a “non-problem” to “create polarisation and hostility” against Muslims. Article here
Media guide on reporting US Christian Nationalism
Religion Link has published a guide for journalists covering Christian nationalism in America. It goes not the definition, quoting sociologists who say it is “a cultural framework — a collection of myths, traditions, symbols, narratives, and value systems”. It lists denominations and key leaders and government action to address the growing concern that Christian nationalism poses a threat to religious freedom and democratic principles .
Holi festival of colour and light celebrated today
The Hindu spring festival of Holi is being celebrated today across the world, when millions of people mark the end of winter by dousing each other in colourful powders and waters. There is special food, family gatherings and public street festivals, often with bonfires and lights. London has a festival at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford this evening. Our factsheet is here
